Corona Red Roses

Monday, January 23, 2006

Week 4 of New Year's Resolutions

As you may recall from my post a few weeks ago, I made three New Year's Resolutions, here's an update

1. Get Healthier!!- Still not smoking!! Work out 4 – 5 times per week - Did work out twice a week first two week. Three times last week and already once this week. I did add variety - I did my belly dance workout once, my cardio salsa tape once, walked around my neighborhood Saturday, and went hiking on Sunday. I bought some scales, so I am going to try to use them every other day. Figure that should help me stay on track.

2. Get home renovated! I did finalize my expansion plans with architect. The contractor has them and is working up a firm estimate for me. I am trying to come in under my budget. I already bought the pantry door - special order doors were on sale this week.

3. Finish decorating bedrooms. Guest Room - I went to seven different furniture stores over the weekend and none of them had anything that I really cared for. I didn't realize how few people actually use twin beds anymore. I did create a storage and craft plan for the closet and got the new door hung up. Master Bedroom - Still looking at fabrics for that bedroom. Not sure what I want exactly. I may have to go to Potomac Mills (the outlet mall about 30 minutes away) to check out their fabrics.

So, I am working on them. Not perfect, but doing better than I did last year.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

"Brokeback Mountain" - 4 Stars

Well, I finally got to see "Brokeback Mountain" on Saturday night. Two thumbs up! Wow - it was great love story.

First, Heath Ledger's performance is amazing. I've always liked him, but never thought of him as this great actor. Just a hot guy who was a decent actor. But, he is absolutely amazing in this movie. You just feel his anguish and the love he feels for Jake's character. He does an amazing job.

Second, Jake Gyllenhaal is great in the film. His character is a bit desperate - in some ways more than Heath's, even though it appears his life should be easier - more money, stable marriage.

And finally, it is beautifully shot. The mountains are breathtaking.

I was a bit disappointed in the sex scene that is often discussed in reviews of the movie. It's brief and a bit more stereotypical than I would care for, but it works for the film.

I highly recommend this movie. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Really it did.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Happy New Year to All

Sorry -- problem with posting it - I did see PQ and Extraordinary Woman in Wales comments on this yesterday.

Just a quick post to say:

Happy New Year!!

I hope your evening was grand. I saw "Wicked" at the Kennedy Center and have to say TWO thumbs up. It was extraordinary. A wonderful story, great actors. It was money well spent.

The night before, I saw "Memoirs of a Geisha" -- not sure it was money well spent. The storyline is interesting, the scenery/cinematography was amazing, and the music blew me away. However, I just didn't feel the love between the two main characters. The passion I expected never really came to fruition. I was actually disappointed.

Still not smoking.

And I made three New Year's Resolutions:1. Get Healthier!!- Work out 4 – 5 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes (I did two workouts this week so far)- Eat 3 servings of fruits and veggies per day- Try to add variety to workouts – try one new thing each month (i.e. rent Pilates video, go hiking, go biking)- Work to lose 25 pounds and maintain for rest of year- Track weight- Track workout schedule- Drink 80 ounces of water a day

2. Get home renovated! – Finalize plans with architect.- Finalize contract with contractor. Determine what I can buy and pick up items

3. Finish decorating bedrooms.- Guest Room - Get new bedding, paint and organize the office and craft segments.- Master Bedroom - Get curtains and at least decide on new furniture, if not able to purchase this year.

Single 31-year-old, Washington DC area resident. Work for the government, but not a fan of Dubya. Interested in travel, my friends, and world events. Oldest of four. Own a small fixer upper, which is still being fixed up.